CLYDE Loakes is set to stand down as Waltham Forest Council leader in May, the Guardian understands.

Sources close to the authority’s Labour and Lib Dem-run administration have revealed that Cllr Loakes will not contest the leadership, preferring instead to concentrate on his bid to become the MP for Northampton South.

Cllr Loakes has been the leader of the council since 2003.

Under his leadership the borough has progressed from a one star authority to a four star authority according to Audit Commission ratings.

But the administration has been criticised for cuts in arts and culture funding, a lack of regeneration at the Arcade site in Walthamstow, and for its involvement in the ongoing Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) scandal, which has revealed failings in the way cash for the most vulnerable was administered.

Cllr Loakes is expected to remain a backbench councillor until next year’s local elections.

The Labour group will elect its leader at its annual general meeting in May.

Cllr Chris Robbins, the cabinet member for young children, is believed to be the favourite to replace Cllr Loakes, but according to a town hall source, he may be interested in being leader only for a year.

Cllr Afzal Akram, cabinet member for community safety, is believed to command strong support in the group, particularly from the Asian members.

Housing cabinet member Cllr Marie Pye and former Mayor of Waltham Forest Liaquat Ali are also rumoured to be possible contenders.